Mediterranean horseshoe bat: Red Data Book of Armenia

Horseshoe bats - Rhinolophidae

Status. A rare and poorly studied species of limited distribution. Listed in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (ver. 3.1) as Near Threatened NT. According to IUCN criteria categorized as Vulnerable VU B1ab+2a.

Distribution. Southern Europe, North Africa, Asia Minor, Caucasus, Southwestern Turkmenistan.

Distribution in Armenia. The Syunik and Vayots Dzor provinces (Areni, Chiva, Elpin, Zaritap, Martiros, Her–her, Khndzoresk villages and the outskirts of Kapan town).

Habitats. Lives exclusively in caves located in grasslands, forests, scrublands and semi–deserts.

Biological traits. Active from twilight hours to sunrise. In contrast to other horseshoe bats, not aggressive. In early June the female produces one baby that stays constantly attached to the mother’s belly. Hibernates in summer shelters. Feeds on small butterflies, moths, flies and beetles.

Population size and its trends. In recent times the population has significantly dwindled.

Major threats. Human visitations to caves during the breeding and wintering seasons.

Conservation measures. Some caves are included to the list of natural monuments. In 2008, due to the efforts of some non–governmental organizations the Magili Cave in the Noravank Canyon, Eghegnadzor district was closed to visitations. It is essential to prohibit visitations to all caves inhabited by the Mediterranean horseshoe bat.